February 7, 2015

Small Town Truckee

A town between history and unyielding beauty, Truckee came to be an unexpected destination discovery that fulfilled the weekend's off-the-grid mission. While we holed up in our cozy lodge just outside of downtown Truckee for a good 45 hours through the weekend, we took a few hours to venture out to Donner Memorial State Park, downtown, and Lake Tahoe to at least legitimately validate that we visited Truckee and not just a cabin in the woods. The lack of snow was disappointing, but our layers weren't wasted because the air was brisk. It was the perfect, refreshing weather to hike a trail at Donner Memorial State Park and explore a pattern of nature that surrounds the populace of Lake Tahoe. Admission: this was my first time learning of the history of the Donner Party, which casted a slightly grim overlay to my hiking experience. But natural beauty overcomes all, and the warming fragrance of forest pines melted away any thought except that of an existential moment. The same can be felt at the beach of Lake Tahoe, where your view becomes a painting you wish to grab hold by the sides and haul away. It's a surreal view like this that resets yourself back to peace of mind. Isn't that what all getaways are for?